Newcastle United will focus on defensive targets with the deal for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum almost complete.

The attacking midfielder arrived on Tyneside yesterday to undergo his medical after the Magpies agreed the highest deal of the Mike Ashley era at £14.5m.

Newcastle were hopeful of tying up a deal for Aleksandar Mitrovic (right) from Anderlecht after the player’s agent Pini Zahavi told the Belgian media that the Serbian was close to becoming a Toon player.

However, Schalke 04 defender Joel Matip – who was on Newcastle’s shortlist – has announced he is staying in the Bundesliga.

He said: “I am at home and can imagine playing here for a long time.”

“I have one more year on my contract, which is for footballers always a long time, but I am confident that we can agree more.”

It means that Newcastle could turn to Joël Veltman of Ajax with the 23-year-old fitting firmly into the bracket of player the Magpies are keen to sign.

Newcastle fans were excited at the prospect of luring both Mitrovic and Wijnaldum to Tyneside last night as fans attended the club’s first pre-season friendly against Gateshead in much better mood after a summer of frustration.

Landing Mitrovic, who could join for a fee of up to €18m would also be considered good business given the player notched 36 league goals in 69 appearances in the last two years.

Agent Zahavi said: “Mitrovic will sign a contract for five seasons for the former club of Philippe Albert.”

Meanwhile Sammy Ameobi is looking forward to playing first-team football this term for Cardiff City. He said: “I want to have a full season where I’m playing games and I think that will build my self-confidence and strength as a player and hopefully have a great season.”